International Laws

Updated 8 April 2015

Belize

Same-sex sexual activity for males is illegal; no relationship protection or recognition.

Costa Rica

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, same-sex marriage is illegal, adoption is illegal, and there are no relationship protections. In 2006, the Supreme Court ruled in a 5–2 decision that it was not required by the constitution to recognize same-sex couples in family law. Legal recognition of same-sex unions has been considered by the Legislative Assembly. On 22 May 2014 the Costa Rican Social Security System’s board of directors unanimously approved reforms that will grant same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples in public health care matters, including visitation rights, insurance coverage and the ability to make medical decisions, among other benefits. Officials have until 22 August 2014 to implement the measures.

El Salvador

Same-sex sexual activity is legal; however, there are no relationship protections of any kind for same-sex couples or families. On 7 February 2014 a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage was defeated in the national Assembly.

Guatemala

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, same-sex marriage is illegal, adoption is illegal, and there are no relationship protections.

Honduras

Same-sex sexual activity is legal; same-sex marriage is against the law, there are constitutional bans against both same-sex marriage and adoption by LGBT people.

Nicaragua

Same-sex sexual activity is legal. 8 April 2015, Nicaragua's new Family Code came into force. It prohibits marriage or civil union for couples of the same sex. It also only permits adoption and guardianship of minors to couples, Nicaraguan or foreign, made up of a man and a woman, and keeps homoparental adoption illegal. LGBT rights group expressed their indignation and have communicated their intention to challenge the constitutionality [of the code] before the Supreme Court of Justice.

Panama

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, marriage is illegal, adoption is illegal, and there are no relationship protections.

Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) was the grassroots movement to win marriage in the United States. With the U.S. Supreme Court victory on June 26, 2015 the work of the organization - though not the larger movement - was achieved and MEUSA ceased formal operations, closing in late 2017. For inquires please contact lovewins@marriageequality.org.